When it comes to branding your candles, it all starts with your logo and design. And that’s likely what you’re most excited about. But there’s more to branding your new collection than just beautiful scents and pretty labels. You have to consider everything that goes into selling your candles including containers, packaging and marketing materials. Every step in a consumer’s candle buying process is an opportunity for you to build your brand. From buying and receiving the candle to opening and burning it, there are numerous branding moments you can take advantage of.

Whether you plan on hiring a graphic designer or creating your own unique artwork to brand your candle line, achieving a cohesive look across your entire line of products and marketing materials is essential. To help you out, we put together a few different ideas using Avery labels, tags and card products to show you how easy it is to carry your brand across a variety of materials.

It’s all about the label

Obviously, the actual candle label is the most important aspect of your branding your candle line. It’s what the end-user will see while enjoying the candle as it burns. If your brand is the star of the show, then choose a uniquely shaped or large label that stands out on your candle jar.  If you want the beautiful colors of your candle or container to shine through, then choose a clear jar with a clear label to give you a no-label, printed-on look. Or try a small square or oval label that takes up little space and lets your candle making skills show through.

If you want a little help applying your candle label, see how to apply your candle labels perfectly for some extra tips and tricks.

But don’t stop at the candle jar

Whether your candles are shipped to individual customers from your online store, or they’re being bought at a shop or boutique, adding a hang tag or additional label to the outer container can make your candles even more appealing. Add a custom tag to the candle itself or to the box it’s packaged in to give customers a ready-made gift. No wrapping necessary. And again, it helps extend the brand of your candle line, as the consumer will have seen it several times before actually lighting the candle.

Hang tags come in a variety of different sizes and styles. They’re perfect for adding an extra fun touch to candle jars, bags and boxes. Use a piece of colored twine to tie directly around your candle container or add tags to carryout bags for retail locations.

Choose large rectangle labels as a unique way to brand and seal your candle boxes at the same time. Once your candle is placed inside the box, simply add a custom wraparound label to the outside.

Always keep networking

It doesn’t matter if you’re on the job actively pushing sales of your candles or sitting in an airport waiting to head off to your next craft show, having professional business cards on hand that complement your brand is a must.

A casual conversation with a nearby passenger on a bus or in a restaurant could lead to an eventual sale.  And while adding your number to their phone is easy, it’s also easily forgotten in their contact list. Beautifully printed business cards get carried home and put on the refrigerator or on a desk. Think about adding a special offer on the back of the card to pique more interest.

Never stop promoting

Now that you’ve got your candles labeled, your packaging tied up and your business cards printed, don’t stop. With all the online design tools available, it’s simple to create your own coordinating marketing materials. With the design tool from Avery, you can use the same design on your labels, cards and tags to keep your brand consistent across your entire candle line.

Coordinating postcards are a great way to offer sales through direct mail or as handouts at street fairs and markets. Treat loyal customers to special discounts by enclosing personalized cards in completed orders. Or give your boutique owners cards to enclose with purchases or as handouts. Loyal customers are your best tool for bringing in new business through referrals.

If you’ve just learned how to make candles and are now ready to move on to branding, packaging and labeling, check out our Candle Design Gallery. Along with the designs featured in all the images above, our graphic designers have created thousands of easy-to-customize, free templates you can choose from. Simply pick your favorite design and personalize it for your entire candle line. Or upload your own imagery. Just pick the size and shape you want, personalize and either print them yourself using Avery blank labels or have them professionally printed by Avery WePrint.

If you want some great tips on the science of candle packing and shipping, check out these great shipping tips from our friends at CandleScience.

Good luck! We’d love to hear how you will brand your candle line.  Have your own special branding tips and tricks?  Share them with us and our readers in the comments below.